Like many other corporations, T-Mobile is interested in both your finances and your personal information. In May, it came to light that the T-Life app employed a default setting that recorded users’ phone screens during their time in the app. While opting out was an option, it required users to be aware of this recording and know how to disable it—a rather dubious practice.

This feature can be switched off in the Privacy Center of T-Life, where T-Mobile consolidates its privacy-related settings. The company claims it gathers user data to “enhance” your experience and tailor advertisements. Customers would be wise to delve into this section and reject any data collection practices they deem unnecessary. For most users, that will likely mean opting out of all options.

If a review of the Privacy Center has already been conducted, it’s time to revisit it: T-Mobile has introduced two additional privacy toggles that are automatically activated. Failing to intervene will result in T-Mobile collecting even more of your data—one of the new settings is particularly concerning.

Fraud and Identity Theft Safeguards

The first new feature purports to “protect you from fraud and identity theft.” According to T-Mobile, activating the “Fraud and Identity Theft Protection” setting utilizes your data to generate “indicators” that signal potential fraud. While these indicators are retained by T-Mobile, they are also shared with third-party entities, such as businesses with which you have accounts, to help identify fraudulent usage of your information. The company harnesses data like your account specifics, activity, device information, communication habits, and engagement with potentially harmful URLs to support this feature.

This intention is commendable, indeed—a notable move for a major entity aiming to prevent identity theft, even beyond its own platforms. However, whether this trade-off is worthwhile is subjective and may vary between users. For those prioritizing privacy, opting out of this feature might be prudent. Sharing extensive information without a solid assurance of preventing fraudulent activities seems excessive. (Texting and calling habits? That’s certainly intrusive.)

Furthermore, the specific third parties with whom T-Mobile shares this data remain ambiguous. There’s a chance it’s a company that already possesses your information, like a bank. Conversely, it could end up in the hands of entirely unrelated businesses, gaining access to your device details and the duration of your calls. A wary stance is advisable.

Disclosure of Financial Information

Should T-Mobile utilize your data to handle “financial offerings”—encompassing device financing or postpaid services—it might distribute this information to a range of third parties. This can include:

• Financial firms for cooperative marketing
• Affiliates for standard business objectives, particularly when related to your credit
• Affiliates for promotional activities
• Non-affiliates for marketing reasons

The term “affiliates” remains vague, but given that both affiliates and non-affiliates can access your information for marketing, it’s reasonable to assume that the pool of potential data recipients is quite extensive.

Turning Off These New Settings